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Cover of The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories - Part XVI

The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories - Part XVI

Written by David Marcum

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489 pages, about 10 hours of reading

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About this book

In 2015, The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories burst upon the scene, featuring adventures set within the correct time period, and written by many of today's leading Sherlockian authors from around the world. Those first three volumes were overwhelmingly received, and there were soon calls for additional collections. Since then, their popularity has only continued to grow. And now we present a new three-volume set. Like 2017's two-volumes set, Eliminate the Impossible, this new collection, Whatever Remains . . . Must Be the Truth features tales of Holmes's encounters with seemingly impossible events – ghosts and hauntings, cults and curses, mythical beasts and mediums, angels and demons, and more. In "The Sussex Vampire", Holmes tells Watson: "This agency stands flat-footed upon the ground, and there it must remain. The world is big enough for us. No ghosts need apply." In each of the stories presented in this huge three-volume collection, Holmes approaches the varied problems with one of his favorite maxims firmly in place: ". . . . When you have eliminated the impossible whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth . . . ." But what, exactly, is the truth? A Study in Scarlet, the first recorded adventure of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John H. Watson, was first published in 1887. What an amazing journey the years since then have been! In addition to the pitifully few sixty tales originally presented in The Canon, published between 1887 and 1927, there have been literally thousands of additional Holmes adventures in the form of books, short stories, radio and television episodes, movies, manuscripts, comics, and fan fiction. And yet, for those who are true friends and admirers of the Master Detective of Baker Street, where it is always 1895 (or a few decades on either side of that!) these stories are not enough. Give us more! The forty-nine stories in these three companion volumes represent some of the finest new Holmesian storytelling to be found, and honor the man described by Watson as "the best and wisest . . . whom I have ever known." All royalties from this collection are being donated by the writers for the benefit of the preservation of Undershaw, one of the former homes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Part XVI – Whatever Remains Must Be the Truth (1881-1890) features contributions by: Derrick Belanger, Mark Sohn, Tracy J. Revels, Brenda Seabrooke, Kevin Thornton, Andrew Bryant, Josh Anderson & David Friend, David Marcum, I.A. Watson, Arthur Hall, Tim Gambrell, Shane Simmons, Bob Bishop, Mark Mower, Kelvin Jones, and Jayantika Ganguly, and with a poem by Josh Pachter, and forewords by David Marcum, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Roger Johnson, and Steve Emecz.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories - Part XVI, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • mysterious
  • intellectual
  • intriguing

The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories - Part XVI: Whatever Remains Must Be the Truth is a vibrant anthology featuring forty-nine new adventures of the iconic detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his faithful chronicler, Dr. John H. Watson. This volume, part of a larger series, specifically delves into cases that initially appear to defy rational explanation, challenging Holmes to apply his famous maxim: "When you have eliminated the impossible whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." Set between 1881 and 1890, these stories are penned by a diverse group of leading Sherlockian authors, each contributing to the enduring legacy of Baker Street. All royalties generated from this collection are dedicated to supporting the preservation of Undershaw, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's former home, adding a philanthropic layer to its literary contribution.

"This agency stands flat-footed upon the ground, and there it must remain. The world is big enough for us. No ghosts need apply."

Key themes

Rationalism vs. Superstition
This is the central thematic conflict of the entire collection. Each story presents a scenario that initially appears to be supernatural, involving ghosts, curses, mythical beasts, or occult practices. Holmes consistently champions empirical evidence, logical deduction, and scientific reasoning to expose the mundane, often criminal, truth behind these seemingly impossible events. The theme explores the societal anxieties and beliefs of Victorian England, where scientific advancement coexisted with widespread superstition.
The Power of Deduction
This theme celebrates the extraordinary capacity of the human mind, specifically Holmes's, to observe, analyze, and synthesize disparate pieces of information to arrive at a logical conclusion. Each story is a masterclass in Holmes's method, showcasing his acute observational skills, his vast knowledge, and his ability to make connections that elude others. It's a testament to the idea that intellect, when rigorously applied, can unravel any mystery.
The Enduring Legacy of Sherlock Holmes
The very existence of this anthology underscores the powerful and lasting cultural impact of Sherlock Holmes. This theme explores why the character continues to resonate with audiences over a century after his creation, inspiring countless new stories, adaptations, and scholarly works. It speaks to the universal appeal of justice, intellect, and the comfort found in a hero who can always find the truth.

Worth discussing

How do these new stories successfully capture the essence of Conan Doyle's original works, and where do they diverge?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

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